PatentsThe patent is the primary form of protection for inventions. Patents are specifically adapted to protect intellectual property which is functional in nature, as opposed to purely artistic (see copyright and registered designs).

The protection a patent offers can be very specific, or quite broad - this is largely determined by how novel and inventive your invention is compared to what is known (the prior art)

Intellectual Property is only part of your Intellectual Capital. Your business is likely to have, and rely on, a number of important Intellectual Assets as well.